Keltfest

AKA stage two of the 'convert Dania to this kind of thing' project.

Getting up at five a.m. yesterday - my first day of a weekend of freedom - in order to meet Dania at silly o'clock so that we could make our way down to Dordrecht, I simply couldn't help but wonder to myself "is it worth it"? I dread to think what Dania was feeling at this point as we both shuffled our way like little zombies through the streets and onto the first of three trains. Okay, I didn't shuffle and was probably rather chatty the whole way - apparently I'm an insufferable morning person.

When we eventually got to Dordrecht it was two buses and then at last we were there. In fact, we were on such an early bus that there were only eight of us there - a far cry from the normal packed shuttles for these kinds of things - which was rather strange but did lead to some kind of socialising which is always nice and, of course, easier when there are smaller numbers attempting to work out where everyone else is!

Arriving on the festival grounds, we were some of the first there. While that does mean that the atmosphere hasn't quite built up yet, it also means that it's quite easy to look around and get a feel of what's going on where without the larger crowds of people. The grounds were quite compact, and logically arranged, meaning that we could do a loop of the stalls and basically be sure to cover everything... which is what we did. I also found that, for me, there was just the right amount going on. I probably could have spent today there too, quite happily, but I don't feel that I've missed out through not being there, heaven knows that I was lucky to go at all!

The first full set we caught was that of Finvarra and this was the first time I'd actually seen them live since Castlefest last year which was also, incidentally, when I really discovered their music. As last time I found their blend of narrative lyrics, danceable rhythms and evocative harmonies thoroughly compelling. I also have to admit that I enjoyed sitting back and watching the audience dance during the set!

We then migrated to watch William play at the Pub Stage which was basically a marquee with some benches, tables and a small stage. In this sense it had a feeling of intimacy above and beyond that of the other stages, something which benefited the solo set and made the session stand out in my mind. It was nice to sit back with a drink and just listen... I even abandoned my camera for the duration, shocking, I know!

Saor Patrol were up next and were, to say the least a little bit louder. I don't think Dania knew quite what to expect and positioned us directly under a speaker. After a few tunes where she looked rather confused by the idea of rocky style bagpipes she seemed to get into the music (I saw her bobbing along with the beat!). As for me, this was the first time I managed to catch Saor Patrol live despite attempting to go to several shows over the past couple of years. To add insult to injury, they actually played in Glastonbury just after I moved to the Netherlands but that's another story! They most certainly live up to, and exceeded expectations with their show just so indescribably full of energy coming from the performers and from the audience. Would love to see them again and both my parents are quite jealous that they missed out!

There was a tiny gap between bands we wanted to see so Dania and I wandered off to use the time productively and fulfill our earlier promise to get matching henna tattoos. Yes, we know it's a cheesy idea but that was kinda the point. Problem was, we might have forgotten to get the same design so we ended up with non-matching matching henna tattoos but hey, it's the thought that counts, right?

After that, it was time for Rapalje. I'm struggling to think of original ways to describe Rapalje which is probably a sign that I've seen them way too many times now. That said, I'm still not tired of their sets as they are invariably of the finest quality yet unique each time. From Dieb playing with a statue of a hedgehog onstage and attempting to balance it on his shoulder to almost the entire audience taking part in a pretty darn huge conga line type thing... it was just really rather fun! Combine that with Rapalje's signature style musically and you've got a great experience, all in all.

Sadly, after that, we had to begin the too long journey home else we wouldn't have made it home. Absolutely exhausted we made it back and, I don't know about Dania, but I fell asleep almost instantly. I didn't even have the energy to make a cup of tea and that is really saying something!

Henna and a Hedgehog... this is what remains of the day!

Now there's just next weekend to look forward to when the indoctrination friendly introduction of Dania continues with Celt-N-Folk. Just have to survive a week of intensive German classes first... oh no!

Freedom from Finals

Today was my final exam of the semester and, despite some trepidation, and perhaps because of the hyper-revision that inspired, I don't think I did overly badly. That said, needing the grades I need to reach my after bachelor's goals, this is a bit of a tense time as I watch blackboard waiting for the all important grades to trickle in.

However, enough of grades and exams! Tonight I am working on catching up with some things I've neglected such as blogging about Budapest (the first post in the series is here) and, indeed, going through the photos. That's before I even think about the number of friends I've neglected over the past few weeks... there are some emails to be written, methinks! Sorry if you're waiting on a message from me!

Tomorrow I'm dragging the not overly unwilling Dania to Keltfest. I think I managed to convert her to Rapalje and she's happy enough to see people who are a bit dressed up too so we'll probably have to lurk around some of the living history things for a while. Don't think she's as happy about the travel plans because, yuck, is the festival site hard to get to from here! Pretty sure that, after our 7:10 start we'll have a lovely day ;-)

As for me, well, there are some great musicians playing tomorrow so I'll have an awesome time. Looking forward to seeing what Keltfest is like, never having been before. Also hoping that it's okayish weather so my not so waterproof camera can get a bit of use!

And on Sunday I sleep.

Then starts my final four weeks in university year one. My first time learning German officially is both exciting and thoroughly daunting!

Budapest: Saturday

Relaxing, Lurking, and Crying.

In a way, Saturday was the best day for me. No matter how nice it is to share somewhere you love with people it was nice to relax on Saturday and get off the complete tourist track, just relaxing a little bit with no real aim.

Saturday saw the group split into two halves once more with Leonoor, Dania and I hitting the city alone while the other three went to the Széchenyi Baths. First item on the to-do list was to have a drink in my usual cafe. Lemonade was as good as ever - seriously the best in Budapest in my not so humble opinion! Not so sure that the same people are managing the place now though which is a shame because they were always good fun. Could just be that they weren't there the day we went though, of course.

Lemonade for breakfast is now a thing that I fully endorse.

After that, we decided to venture into the unknown to get the CD of the Hungarian version of Miss Saigon. One promising looking CD shop was closed - I've got used to shops being open every day in Amsterdam - but we did have to leave the touristy parts in order to get there so that was actually really nice and successful in some senses. We also were blessed with some sun once again so we sat out on the bench in the street by the closed shop and relaxed for a bit. Really, that was the focus of most of Saturday... we loosely aimed for something (most of our plans were unsuccessful) and then used the time to just enjoy watching the world move around us.

This day also saw what was probably one of our poshest meals of the trip, and that is saying something! We went to this glorious restaurant for lunch and had really rather stunning salads and cakes which both looked and tasted sublime!

Hungarian Apple Pie 1 - Dutch Apple Pie 0

The afternoon was spent looking for a tacky touristy picture frame so that I could put a nice picture in it to remember the trip. Seriously, we saw so many awful picture frames in the preceding days but no matter how many tourist shops we went into we simply could not find one! Ah well, I guess the photo will just have to go in to an elegant frame which is simply not the same. At least I know which photo I am going to choose:

A lady saw us swapping round trying to take photos and she stopped with her
toddler, put down all her shopping and took serveral photos of the three of us.
Kind people are still around in the world.

The evening saw the group come together for our final meal of the trip which was accompanied by a fair amount of wine, champagne and cocktails from those who drink; they celebrated the end of the holiday while I mourned its end.

After that, a rather bouncy Leonoor and Dania, energised by the meal, and its accompanying beverages, joined me to meet up with Gitta once more. She and her boyfriend very kindly took us to one of the ruin pubs in Budapest which was a new experience for me (got to love new experiences). Didn't take any photos, sadly, so nothing to share but I can safely say that the place was like nothing I've ever seen. As the name may suggest, the pub was situated in the run down shell of one of the courtyard-houses but one that had been decorated with some of the most surreal things from a room full of television screens to some statue of a dragon-ish type thing that one could potentially sit on.

Sadly, with a stupidly early departure on the Sunday looming we didn't get to stay for very long and we wandered back the apartment. As I settled down for my very short night's rest I could hear Scottish folk songs drifting up from the bar below the window and it struck me that I was leaving one of the places I love dearly while listening to music from home... and going back to the Netherlands. That was a difficult moment for me - hello homesickness!

A Bit of Sunday

Oops.
At silly o'clock in the morning, the others all woke up and I got up out of bed. Because I'm a complete and utter pillock I had managed to get sunstroke again. Luckily, it was rather mild - more so than I've had previously - and I managed to catch the flight with the others. I rather imagine I worried them though and they must be commended for really looking out for me, especially Nora who had to put up with me both ill and crying. Poor girl.

I tell you what was interesting though, walking through the streets at 3 A.M.-4 A.M., something that I can't say I often do in my own countries and, clearly, have never done in Budapest. It was busy, busier than I would have expected, and with surprisingly sober people. Yes, there were a few people who'd clearly had a few too many but the majority were quite with it. Normal coffee shops were open, public transport was running. It was a little surreal!

Several hours later... okay, about nine hours later, we were back in Amsterdam, collapsing in our respective beds.

As for me, well, I will be back to Budapest pretty soon. Nora seems to have fallen for the place too and we discussed returning this summer but our respective flight home plans clash so we cannot do that. However, I have talked with my university and there is the potential of me studying in Hungary for a couple of months next year, perhaps. It will involve a lot of paperwork and discussions with the board of examiners but my tutor seemed pretty hopeful and willing to champion my cause. If that doesn't work out, I'll be back anyway... not leaving it this long ever again!

Not for facebook

More on Budapest:

Wednesday
Thursday
Theatre (to come)
Friday (to come)

Budapest: Thursday

Touring, Eating, and Going to the Theatre

On Thursday I suggested that we took one of the hop-on hop-off buses around the city as they make it rather more accessible, aren't bad value, and have a night line which the others could use while I was out on Friday (although they didn't!). Everyone seemed to agree with the idea in principle so we bought tickets and off we went, deciding to do the near side of the river on that day as people wanted to do a bit of shopping in the afternoon and the main 'known' shopping street is on the Pest side of the city anyway. Whoops, that was a long sentence.

Some people were less enthused about the bus ride!

First stop was Hősök tere or Hero's Square which is pretty impressive, to say the least. It's pretty much a blending of Hungarian history and figures of significance. The central column features the Archangel Gabriel holding the crown of Hungary and the double cross. Surrounding this is a colonnade featuring Kings of Hungary and freezes showing a key scene from their life... and this is topped by statues of key ideas.

Because no-one would notice that giant statue unless you pointed it out!

We then ventured into the park a little which is something I've not really done before. To be honest, with the heat of my last trips, it's lucky I've seen anything in the city! Anyway, we made a bit of a bee line for Vajdahunyad Castle which is a sweet replica castle complex created for an exhibition at some point - I know my history, right? Despite the castle itself being really pretty there is a little medieval style church which simply captured my imagination. I mean, I love religious architecture and medieval art history and regardless of my personal interests, replica or not, it was stunning.

See, it's not just me... it is stunning!

After our little exploration it was back on the bus for a drive around a bit more of the city towards Váci utca to grab a couple of things from the shops there, and eat some more really good food. There was rather a pattern emerging here!

It was also the day we wrote loving postcards to our families telling them about the trip and snarky postcards to our friends telling them off for not coming with us. If you're reading this, Aimee, you can't run away for ever - you're going to have to come with me one time!

Posting the Aimee's card. It was a momentous occasion
which warranted photographic documentation.

With theatre tickets booked for that night we had to head back to the apartment quite early to get ready - with shared bathrooms, shock horror! Actually, considering four of us were trying to get ready with shared bathrooms and male presence limiting us to said shared bathrooms for the majority of tasks... we were pretty darn efficient and when the time came to leave, I was lucky enough to be accompanied by three stunners!

Anywho, I am, at the request of the darlin' Laura write a full review of the theatre trip, including the trip, so I won't go into it now but will link when it's done. Suffice to say, we had a wonderful evening.

Not for facebook

More on Budapest:

Wednesday
Theatre (to come)
Friday (to come)
Saturday and Sunday

Budapest: Introduction and Wednesday

Lounging on my bed, waiting for the others to wake up fully on the first morning of our holiday I started to note down all that happened the day before ready for these blog posts. I'd never be able to remember all that had happened upon my return. Fighting with my phone keyboard I wrote away... and then accidentally pressed the delete button losing all my hard work. I decided to give up.

So, the following series of posts promise to be a lengthy but incomplete description of what was an exquisite four days in the wonderful city of Budapest. And, if any of my companions are reading this and feel I've missed something out.. drop me a line and edits shall be made ;-)

Does anyone else get the feeling I was really excited?

Wednesday

Arriving, Walking and Checking in to the Flat

The cheapest flights to Budapest, from the Netherlands, leave from Eindhoven which is a fair way away. The cheapest flights when you leave it until the last minute to book are the early morning ones. We had an early, early start ahead of us and, as people may know, extreme lack of sleep makes me quite ill so I was a bit of a mess that morning. Anyway at four a.m. Dania came round to mine to add the final touches to our shared suitcase and we toddled down to meet Nora, Laura, and Thomas. The taxi turned up... we texted everyone to hurry up. Eventually, Nora turned up as it turned out she had set her alarm wrong and only woken when the taxi had called her! A taxi ride and a bus ride later and the five of us were at Eindhoven, where we met up with Stefan, and we were on our way.

It's amazing just how much joy a pink plane can induce!

The whole flight process was pretty simple with no border control - something I've never known - and the cases arriving quickly. The transfer from the airport was filled with the others attempting to learn 'useful' words and phrases in Hungarian such as "jó napot", "köszönöm" and the obviously useful "kék" (which is not useful in basic conversation at all but caused much delight due to its similarity to the English word "cake"). 

We were soon in Budapest, with me feeling really rather overjoyed, and the others feeling really rather hungry. After the compulsory "hungary in Hungary" joke, Nora decided to stick to similes such as "famished" and "peckish". It was the first of many high quality meals from that trip. We had a rather magnificent time as far as food is concerned.

While the others relaxed and finished their drinks, Dania and I went to check into the flat with the cases. I've stayed in flats owned by this company before so knew that they were reliable - and their contact goes above and beyond if you need something which matters when you're a young group traveling alone - but I'd never stayed in this particular flat. It was in a good location on the same street as the Operettszínház stage door and a few bars which meant it was a little noisy at night but in a highly convenient location.

What's the first thing you do when you arrive in a new country?

The afternoon saw us wander over to the other side of the river with plans to take some night photos. To be honest, that was always overly optimistic after the early start we'd had. However, we did manage to ride the funicular up into the Castle District and see that area in the less busy evening time.

It wasn't a wasted trip, however, with various little moments which are sure to be some of the more lasting memories of the trip. Selfies on the bridge over and random people copying Nora's nervous of heights sounds as the walk past, Stefan and Dania running after a bride and groom in order to get a selfie with them, finding pieces of street furniture with faces painted on them... you know, the kind of things that could never be replicated another time.

For those of you who haven't worked it out by now: Dania is the selfie Queen!

At the end of the first day, people seemed pretty happy with the city and we were having a great time. Success!

Not for facebook

More on Budapest:

Thursday
Theatre (to come)
Friday (to come)
Saturday and Sunday

The 'got to happen' political post

Yesterday, saw the results of the UK general election slowly but surely coming to light.

After having to arrange to vote by proxy twice after my first proxy realised she wouldn't be in the country on the 7th either the hardest part was still to be decided, who to vote for. You see, the problem is that currently politics his falling apart even more dramatically than normal. The mainstream parties have proven that they can't be trusted in some of the most obvious ways. Remember that one party that was going to abolish university fees and then basically tripled them? Right.

So, how do you vote when you know that, not only are people glossing over the truth, but that they have a track record of outright lying? It's all very well voting for someone whose manifesto you agree with but if they are unlikely to stick to it then what's the point?

At the end of the day, I decided to vote for the Green Party because I tended to agree with most of their manifesto (not all of it but one simply cannot find anything near perfection). How realistic some of their aims were... how likely the untested party would be to have any klout... well voting for them would probably be a risk. However, the other reality is that, with our current system of voting and in my highly Labourite area, there was basically no way that they were going to get a seat based upon my vote.



But, that seems to be the problem a lot of people are facing. People don't really want another five years (or so) of Conservative government because they're unhappy with the way the country has been run and the threats to the public services and welfare system. People don't want another five years of Lib Dems because, while I think Conservatives get most of the blame, people really don't seem to trust them at all, possibly because of complete negated promises in the past. Labour, well, they got us into this mess and don't seem to have a leader who seems inspirationally competent. This has seen a surge in people voting for the smaller parties who are often more extreme... UKIP who are really rather far right, with most people agreeing that they are too far right, but are appealing to a lot of people who feel that their voices are not being heard. Greens who are left and may well have appealing ideas but seem disorganised and not in a position to run a country. There has also been a rise in the power of regional parties, such as the SNP (Scottish National Party) which is a whole other kettle of fish.

The predictions, and the worry, was that the voting would be almost completely split. This would lead to a hung parliament and another potential coalition, at best. I know that this has confused people from countries where this is the norm but, back home, hung parliaments are rather rare - I think it's happened twice - and lead to a fair bit of instability. This was going to be a very messy election.

I stayed up to watch the results come in and, in the end, the results were, I suppose, better than expected.

The Scottish votes came in pretty quickly, compared to the rest of the areas. Basically all of Scotland ended up SNP which I find a little bit disconcerting, not because I'm against Scottish-ness and so on but rather because having many members of a party who are against the existence of the UK in its present form dictating policies for the UK in its present form... I don't really see how that works out fairly for anyone, really. But there we go, that's a whole other story.

Labour lost a lot of seats (mainly to the SNP), Lib Dems lost most of their seats, UKIP gained one seat, Greens maintained one seat... other regional parties fluctuated slightly but hold very few seats over all. I don't know much about the regional parties so apologies there. Basically all the main parties have lost their leaders... a lot of quitting going on and a lot of mess to be sorted in that area.

In the end, we ended up with a Conservative majority.... just. Another five years of Conservative government... it doesn't fill me with joy. Many of their policies I downright disagree with, a few are okay. The positives, however, must always be sought. Whatever the probably outcome of this election, the Conservatives were always going to have some decent level of sway. Perhaps the majority means that we're less likely to have political stagnation.

Maybe I really am looking on the bright side. Maybe I just felt that no matter who won, none of the main parties offer me anything that I want and can trust.

I did vote. It's important to get your voice heard even if there's an almost non existent chance of making a change.

Sometimes I wish that I could go into politics and actually make a difference. In reality, I know that I would have to sell out most of my beliefs and it would suck my soul out. Maybe I'll just stick to painting.

_____

I felt I should write this post, partly because it's an important topic and partly because I have a lot of foreign friends who have shown some interest. In this regard, the post is highly, highly simplified. How does one condense centuries of history, connotations and policies into one blog post?

This post is not for facebook because, as you probably know, I attempt to avoid the whole political/moral debating (aka flame wars) that tend to occur. This is one of those topics sure to incite strong opinions and, quite frankly, rightly so... after all, it is about our (for the British people) country's future!

_____

And now for something a little bit lighter. Got to have the odd comedian standing against the head of UKIP  ;-)

Last bit of UK time for a wee while!

My week back home is drawing to a close as I sit here typing this, waiting for the time to come where I have to go to the airport and get on that plane to go back to university. These last hours before leaving are always the most strange as the inevitable slowly draws closer... Part of me can't believe I'm wasting this morning sat in front of Jeremy Kyle (*) but hey, I can't find the television controller and I'm too comfy to go look ;-)

Police horse display at the
North Somerset show.

Anyway, the last week has been generally quite slow and nice. I've had a lot of essays to write (not so pleasant) and have actually been highly productive. Really rather impressed with myself considering all the distractions of staying with the parents with all the food and bath opportunities that brings! I must admit, I've done a fair amount of spending... I know my way round shops in the UK which is more than a little dangerous!

Yesterday was the only full day out we managed to slot in, as a family, and my own schedule was mainly to blame for that. We drove back down to Somerset and spent the day at the North Somerset Show which is an agricultural show which is actually held on the land my father used to manage many, many years ago. While this kind of thing isn't exactly my idea of a perfect day out, any excuse to sit out in the sun a little bit is worthwhile! 

Actually, looking out of the window and watching the perfect gale that I'm going to be flying in (touch wood), I'd like to see a bit more sun now, if you don't mind!

My case constitution for the flight back home...
can you tell what I prioritise taking back?

(*) For the lucky people who read this and haven't been exposed to Jeremy Kyle: it's a show where people with dysfunctional relationships of some form come and parade themselves on the television while Jeremy kinda attempts to organise the screaming matches. And no, I didn't put it on the telly!